The forest area covers ______ % of the total area of the country according to state records.

Correct option is D

Introduction
Based on the provided options and context, the closest historically or officially reported figure for the forest area as a percentage of the total geographical area of India, according to state records or a specific older assessment, is 23.28 %. It is important to note that the most recent official reports, such as the India State of Forest Report (ISFR), use a different, more up-to-date figure for forest and tree cover, but based only on the options and the source, 23.28 is the correct option.
Information Booster
· Classification: This figure typically refers to the land area legally designated as 'forest' in government records (Recorded Forest Area).
· Percentage: The figure 23.28% is a specific, often older, reported value from government or state records.
· Recent Data: More recent and comprehensive assessments like the India State of Forest Report (ISFR) often use the total forest and tree cover, which is a higher percentage.
· Significance: A nation's forest cover is a critical indicator of its environmental health and commitment to sustainability.
· National Goal: India's National Forest Policy aims to have at least 33% of the country's total geographical area under forest or tree cover.
Additional Points
· The values 24.25, 25.28, and 22.25 are incorrect figures for the percentage of forest area based on the context of the question and the provided answer.